Scalars and vectors Flashcards
what is a scalar
a quantity which only has a magnitude
what is a vector
a quantity with a magnitude and direction
examples of scalars
distance, speed, mass
examples of vectors
displacement, velocity, weight(force), acceleration
how do you get a resultant vector from two vectors
draw the first vector. draw the second one starting at the end of the first. the resultant vector creates a triangle with them
what does ‘resolving a vector’ mean
splitting it into its component forces
how do you resolve a vector
draw it. make a right angles triangle with it as the hyp. use trigonometry or Pythagoras to find the sides (find the horizontal and vertical forces)
how to resolve a vector on an inclined plane
resolve the forces parallel and perpendicular to the slope.